Department for Transport

Cycling

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions he has had with his counterparts in the Devolved Administrations on the promotion of cycle to work schemes.

Michael Ellis: Cycle to work schemes are employee benefit schemes available throughout the United Kingdom which can make it easier and cheaper for people to cycle to work. The Department has recently published refreshed guidance to employers on how to use them, and on other ways employers can encourage their staff to cycle to work. Department for Transport officials have regular discussions with their counterparts in the Devolved Administrations on policies to promote cycling and walking, and the Department will continue to look for opportunities to promote cycle to work schemes, working with the Devolved Administrations as appropriate.

Roads: Horses

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps his Department is taking to improve road user awareness of safe (a) speeds and (b) distances when overtaking horses.

Michael Ellis: The Highway Code in its current form already mentions horse riders and the need for drivers to exercise special care in relation to them. As part of the current Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy (CWIS) Safety Review, The Highway Code will be reviewed to help keep cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders safe on the roads. The full scope of review has yet to be determined but, in accordance with normal practice, it will be conducted in consultation with all relevant stakeholders, including those representing equestrians.

Motor Vehicles: ICT

Liz McInnes: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether he has made a recent assessment of the effect of usage-based telematics products on levels of (a) road safety and (b) environmental sustainability.

Michael Ellis: The Department for Transport recognises the potential benefits of telematics and other in-vehicle technologies in promoting fuel-efficient driving behaviours, which could save motorists and businesses money and reduce vehicle emissions. In line with our commitment in Government’s ‘Road to Zero’ strategy, the Department has established a technology taskforce with the motoring and insurance industries to explore the role that new vehicle technologies has to play, and put in place appropriate interventions. The Department is also exploring the potential benefits of this technology in reducing the risk of young driver collisions through the Driver 2020 project.

Railways: Tickets

Ian Mearns: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether his Department has (a) plans and (a) a budget allocated to eliminate paper rail tickets from the network; and if he will make a statement.

Andrew Jones: We have not asked train operators to withdraw paper tickets. As a result of our £80m investment in smart ticketing, passengers now have an alternative to the paper ticket across almost all of the network, making buying and using their ticket significantly more convenient. Later this year more options will become available, including travel across different operators. Smart ticketing, as well as changes in passenger preferences, will naturally lead to fewer paper tickets being sold.

Dartford-Thurrock Crossing

Sir David Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent steps his Department has taken to reduce the duration of delays at the Dartford Crossing.

Sir David Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps his Department has taken to reduce delays on (a) the A2, (b) Bob Dunn Way and (c) other roads approaching the M25 to cross the Dartford Crossing.

Michael Ellis: Highways England are working to deliver improvements to motorists’ journeys around the Dartford Crossing. Work is nearly complete on the M25 Junction 2 scheme which has been designed to improve the traffic flows from the A2, through the junction and on the approach to the Dartford Crossing. Further junction improvements are also planned to the A2 at Bean and Ebbsfleet junctions. This includes a new bridge for southbound traffic at the Bean junction and a new slip road onto the A2 for eastbound traffic. Highways England will also widen the road that links the two roundabouts at Ebbsfleet junction. Work at these junctions is due to start in March 2020. Highways England are also designing a scheme to improve A282 Junction 1a. The improvements include adding another lane on the link road between the two roundabouts at Littlebrook. This scheme will deliver benefits to the junction and help improve the flow of traffic on Bob Dunn Way. A Dartford and Thurrock study has also been completed to identify solutions to reduce congestion which could be delivered in advance of the construction of the Lower Thames Crossing. Highways England is working with Kent County Council and Thurrock Council to fully review the findings. Future plans for the new Lower Thames Crossing will provide an additional route across the Thames, significantly adding capacity to the road network.

Railways: Luton

Mr Gavin Shuker: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he is taking to ensure a greater number of northbound East Midlands Railway trains stop at (a) Luton and (b) Luton Airport Parkway stations under the new franchise.

Andrew Jones: As detailed in the East Midlands franchise announcement on 10 April, a new express service will operate between London and Corby. This will provide two trains per hour northbound calling at Luton Airport, Luton, Bedford, Wellingborough and Kettering. The current East Midlands timetable provides one direct train per hour northbound to both Luton and Luton Airport.These modern express trains will also deliver more seats for the passengers on this route.

Department for Transport: Credit Unions

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether his Department offers employees a payroll deduction service to enable them to join a credit union; and if he will make a statement.

Michael Ellis: The Department for Transport does not offer employees a deduction service through payroll to enable them to join a credit union.

Great Western Railway Line: Trains

Andy McDonald: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 24 June 2019 to Question 266246 on Great Western Railway Line, what proportion of Intercity Express trains leaving Paddington were run on (a) electric and (b) diesel power since October 2017.

Andrew Jones: The Department for Transport does not hold the data requested.

Attorney General

Criminal Proceedings: Travel

David Hanson: To ask the Attorney General, what his Department's policy is on the reimbursement of travel expenses to people who have been in  the criminal justice system.

Lucy Frazer: It is essential that victims are supported in the criminal justice system, and the Government has made this a key priority. The reimbursement of travel expenses can be made to those who have been called as a witness in the Criminal Justice System. The payment of expenses and allowances to prosecution witnesses, where the Crown Prosecution Service is the prosecuting authority, is governed by the Crown Prosecution Service (Witnesses’ etc. Allowances) Regulations 1988. Full guidance on expenses and allowances for prosecution witnesses can be found here: https://www.cps.gov.uk/publication/witness-expenses-and-allowances The rates or scales of expenses for defence witnesses are determined by the Ministry of Justice. The payment of expenses incurred by those called as a witness on behalf of a defendant are set out in Regulations made under Sections 19 and 20 of the Prosecution of Offences Act 1985. Full guidance on expenses and allowances can be found here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/592291/guide-allowances-under-part-v-costs-criminal-cases-general-september-2016.doc. In addition, any acquitted defendant whose costs are ordered by a court to be paid out of central funds may be allowed the same travelling and subsistence allowances as if they attended to give evidence (i.e. an ordinary witness subsistence allowance, plus travelling expenses).

Department of Health and Social Care

NHS: Staff

Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, when the final NHS people plan will be published.

Stephen Hammond: The interim People Plan was published on 3 June 2019. It sets out the actions the National Health Service will take now and over the long term to meet the challenges of supply, reform, culture and leadership.A final People Plan will be published soon after the conclusion of the 2019 as intended Spending Review.This final Plan will then be kept under regular review and updated on an annual basis, as part of the NHS taking a more open and collaborative approach to people issues.

Antimicrobials: Drug Resistance

Dr David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what research his Department has undertaken (a) directly, (b) through research councils and (c) with international partners on antimicrobial resistance.

Caroline Dinenage: The Department is investing over £1 billion a year in health research through the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). The NIHR supports a wide portfolio of research on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) through various funding streams. In the United Kingdom, investment includes £32 million of capital funding to support AMR research, £19.1 million for AMR research at four NIHR Biomedical Research Centres, and £8.8 million for two NIHR Health Protection Research Units on Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance.The NIHR also supports research into AMR in low and middle-income countries (LMICs), with official development assistance (ODA) funding through the NIHR Global Health Research programme. Investment includes support for the NIHR Global Health Research Unit on Genomic Surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance, and the NIHR Global Health Research Group on Genomic Surveillance of Malaria in West Africa.Working through partnerships with other UK funders, the NIHR Global Health Research programme also supports cross-Research Council initiatives including one led by the Medical Research Council for research into AMR in a global context, and another led by the Economic and Social Research Council to expand understanding of how behaviour within and beyond the healthcare system impacts on AMR.In addition, the Department has allocated over £50 million of ODA over five years to AMR research through the Global AMR Innovation Fund. This research is delivered through a range of mechanisms and delivery partners, including research councils such as the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council and Innovate UK, and international partners including the Wellcome Trust, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the United States and German governments, and Canada’s International Development Research Centre.

Genetics: Screening

Henry Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what plans his Department has to provide training for NHS staff on whole genome sequencing.

Henry Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many additional NHS staff will be required to provide the Genomic Medicine Service.

Caroline Dinenage: As part of the NHS Long Term Plan, the National Health Service has committed to sequencing 500,000 whole genomes by 2023/24.To deliver this, NHS England is working closely with the NHS Genomic Laboratory Hubs to monitor the workforce plans that are being put in place to support the delivery of the whole genome sequencing (WGS) service. This will continue after the service has launched as part of ongoing monitoring.Health Education England established the Genomics Education Programme to support NHS staff to build the knowledge, skills and experience to deliver a WGS service. This programme is being embedded into organisations to enable long term sustainability of the multi-disciplinary, clinical workforce.

Hearing Impairment

Dr David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to introduce the NICE guidelines on hearing loss across all Clinical Commissioning Groups.

Caroline Dinenage: Clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) are expected to take account of National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines published in 2018 on ‘Hearing loss in adults: assessment and management’, alongside local priorities when commissioning hearing loss services. The guidelines have formed the basis for the development a quality standard for adult-onset hearing loss, that CCGs can use to support commissioning, and which NICE will publish and promote on 10 July 2019.

Genetics: Screening

Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, who will hold responsibility for adding new tests to the National Genomic Test Directory.

Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what the cost is of a single whole genome sequencing test for (a) blood cancers and (b) other cancer types.

Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what role will genomic multi-disciplinary teams play in whole genome sequencing.

Caroline Dinenage: The National Genomic Test Directory outlines which genomic tests are commissioned by the National Health Service in England, the technology by which they are available, and the patients who will be eligible to access to a test. The Directory will be updated on an annual basis and NHS England will implement a clear and transparent process, supported by a Clinical and Scientific Expert Panel, to determine which tests are available within the NHS. This will include reviewing any tests that may be retired or replaced by more modern technology, such as whole genome sequencing. As the price of whole genome sequencing falls and the clinical evidence improves, we envisage that it will be extended to more conditions and therefore more patients. More information on the Directory is available at the following link: https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/national-genomic-test-directories/ There is considerable variation in the reported costs of genomic analysis. For Genomics England, during the 100,000 Genomes project, these were in order of £2,500 per cancer patient. This included sequencing both the patient’s normal genome and their tumour, as well as the running costs of undertaking both the sequencing and bioinformatics for analysis and interpretation.Health Education England established the Genomics Education Programme to support NHS staff to build the knowledge, skills and experience to deliver a whole genome sequencing service. This programme is being embedded into organisations to enable long-term sustainability of the multi-disciplinary clinical workforce.

Clinical Commissioning Groups

Ellie Reeves: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the NHS long-term plan, what assessment he has made of the potential effect on healthcare delivery of reducing the number of clinical commissioning groups to match the number of sustainability and transformation partnerships.

Ellie Reeves: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the NHS long-term plan, what assessment he has made of the potential (a) merits and (b) demerits of reducing the number of clinical commissioning groups to match the number of sustainability and transformation partnerships.

Ellie Reeves: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the NHS long-term plan, what consultation his Department has conducted on the potential merits of reducing the number of clinical commissioning groups to match the number of sustainability and transformation partnerships.

Ellie Reeves: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the NHS long-term plan, what assessment he has made of the potential effect on local accountability in planning and commissioning health services of reducing the number of clinical commissioning groups to match the number of sustainability and transformation partnerships.

Ellie Reeves: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what plans he has to (a) monitor and (b) evaluate the merit of mergers between clinical commissioning groups.

Stephen Hammond: Sustainability and transformation partnerships (STPs) and integrated care systems (ICS) are fundamentally about bringing National Health Service providers, commissioners, local authorities, and other health and care services together to propose how they, at local level, can improve the way that health and care is planned and delivered in a more person-centred and coordinated way.The most developed STPs have evolved into ICS, an even closer partnership between NHS organisations, local councils and other relevant organisations, which take collective responsibility for managing resources, delivering NHS standards, and improving the health of the population they serve.The NHS Long Term Plan set out the ambition for ICS to cover the whole of England by April 2021. The NHS Long Term Plan sets out that “every ICS will need streamlined commissioning arrangements to enable a single set of commissioning decisions at system level. This will typically involve a single Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) for each ICS area”. However, this will need to reflect local circumstances, and NHS England is not intending to impose this centrally. NHS England is working with ICS and local areas to determine the best configuration of CCGs.CCGs have a legal right to apply for a merger and it is for NHS England to decide whether to approve a merger. This is an operational decision, and so sits with NHS England. There are a number of specific legal factors and further criteria that NHS England will consider when deciding whether to agree the merger. The application process and criteria applied for CCG mergers is available in the Procedures for clinical commissioning groups to apply for constitution change, merger or dissolution guidance.The criteria include the proposed new CCG demonstrating alignment with (or within) the local STP/ICS to provide the most logical footprint for local implementation of the NHS Long Term Plan. CCGs must also include evidence of providing strategic, integrated commissioning to support population health; whilst ensuring that the move to a larger geographical footprint will not be at the expense of local accountability, or the proposed new CCG’s ability to engage with, and consider the needs of, local communities. Before a merger takes place, the CCG must also demonstrate that they have engaged with and seriously considered the views of their local general practitioners and local Healthwatch. In all cases, CCGs’ legal accountability to NHS England remains the same, regardless of the size of the CCG.More broadly, we support NHS England’s intention to streamline commissioning arrangements, as NHS England expect that this will make it easier for the NHS to manage resources, make strategic decisions, and reduce unnecessary bureaucracy.

Genomics England

Jess Phillips: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what role he plans Genomics England to play in the NHS Genomic Medicine Service after the completion of the 100,000 Genomes Project.

Jess Phillips: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, which organisation Genomics England is accountable to.

Caroline Dinenage: Genomics England is accountable to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care who is the sole shareholder. Following the completion of the 100,000 Genomes Project, Genomics England will continue to support NHS England with the development, establishment and successful operation of the NHS Genomic Medicine Service, and in particular the NHS Long Term Plan commitment to sequence 500,000 whole genomes by 2023/24.

100,000 Genomes Project

Jess Phillips: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what plans his Department has to evaluate the 100,000 Genomes Project.

Caroline Dinenage: As a Government Major Project, the 100,000 Genomes Project has been under regular review by the Infrastructure and Projects Authority (IPA) which provides independent assurance of the most complex and strategically significant projects across Government. As part of this, the 100,000 Genomes Project has undergone several significant reviews which considered the Project’s delivery, requiring the collation of extensive documentation evidencing the progress of the Project and several days of interviews with key stakeholders. Conclusions of each review were shared across delivery partners to inform successful delivery of the Project.The Department, Genomics England and NHS England recognised the importance in embedding robust testing, assessment and evaluation throughout the delivery of the Project to inform the introduction of whole genome sequencing in the National Health Service under the new Genomics Medicine Service.

Speech and Language Therapy: Children

Geraint Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference the June 2019 report of the Children’s Commissioner, We need to talk: access to speech and language therapy, if he will meet with NHS Clinical Commissioners to discuss the implications for his Department's policies of the findings of that report.

Caroline Dinenage: The Government recognises that speech, language and communication skills are a primary indicator of child wellbeing. Officials from the Department will discuss the Children’s Commissioner’s report with NHS Clinical Commissioners at the next opportunity.

Genetics: Screening

Mr Clive Betts: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, which diagnostic tests will whole genome sequencing replace, particularly for blood cancers.

Mr Clive Betts: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether the National Genomic Test Directory directly replaces the NHS Directory of Genetic Disorders/Genes for Diagnostic Testing.

Mr Clive Betts: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how will new tests be added to the National Genomic Test Directory.

Caroline Dinenage: During 2019, the National Health Service will begin to offer whole genome sequencing (WGS) as part of clinical care for:- Seriously ill children likely to have a rare genetic disorder;- People with one of 21 rare conditions where current evidence supports early adoption of WGS as a diagnostic test; and- People with specific types of cancer for which there is likely to be the greatest patient benefit from using WGS – children with cancer, sarcoma and acute myeloid leukaemia. WGS will only replace existing diagnostic tests once the testing is demonstrated to be clinically safe to replace existing diagnostic testing. Initially, existing diagnostic testing will continue to be performed alongside WGS testing where clinically appropriate. This will continue until WGS is able to fully support clinical decision making within clinically appropriate timescales.Current testing for blood cancers includes a number of diagnostic tests, the current expectation is that WGS will not be used to replace tests that require very fast turnaround times (under 24 hours) or high sensitivity.WGS and non-WGS testing that will be available as part of clinical care is outlined in the National Genomic Test Directory at the following link: https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/national-genomic-test-directories/ The UK Genetic Testing Network (UKGTN) published the NHS Directory of Genetic Disorders/Genes for Diagnostic Testing, which evaluated and recommended genetic tests for rare and inherited disorders for the National Health Service across the UK. However, there was not an equivalent for cancer genomic testing. The National Genomic Test Directory specifies which genomic tests are commissioned by the NHS in England, the technology by which they are available, and the patients who will be eligible to access to a test.The National Genomic Test Directory will be updated on an annual basis and NHS England will implement a clear and transparent process, supported by a Clinical and Scientific Expert Panel, to determine which tests are available within the NHS. This will include reviewing any tests that may be retired or replaced by more modern technology, such as WGS. As the price of WGS falls and the clinical evidence improves, we envisage that it will be extended to more conditions and therefore more patients.

Department of Health and Social Care: Iron and Steel

Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will sign his Department up to the UK Steel charter.

Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department has had discussions with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on the UK Steel charter.

Stephen Hammond: The Department supports the Charter where this is relevant to our commercial activities and only where consistent with the relevant procurement regulations that require fair and open competition.The Parliamentary Undersecretary of State at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (Andrew Stephenson MP), wrote to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on 29 May to ask the Department to sign the Steel Charter. We are not aware of any further formal discussions on the topic. On matters relating to procurement policy, Departmental officials continue to work with officials in the Domestic Policy Team at Cabinet Office.

NHS: Public Appointments

Stephen McPartland: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer to Questions 256286 and 259982 on NHS: Public Appointments, what the longest period of time is for which NHS posts with salaries above £142,000 are awaiting ministerial sign-off by (a) his Department and (b) HM Treasury.

Stephen Hammond: HM Treasury sets the threshold at which ministerial approval is required for ministerial appointments. The threshold was raised from £142,500 per annum to £150,000 per annum in January 2018.National Health Service posts are not ‘ministerial appointments’ and are therefore not subject to the approvals process set by HM Treasury. However, in 2015 the then Secretary of State set out his policy on taking forward senior pay in the NHS which included the requirement for NHS trusts to seek ministerial approval and NHS foundation trusts and clinical commissioning groups to seek ministerial comment for senior executive pay over the same pay threshold set by HM Treasury.NHS organisations are not required to seek Departmental approval or comment on salaries of less than £150,000.As at 1 July, the longest period of time for which the Department have been aware of a proposed NHS post with a salary above £150,000 dates back to 13 March 2019. The case has not yet been presented to Ministers for approval or comment as further information has been sought from the Trust to support the case. This has not yet been received and therefore the case has not yet been presented to Ministers.

NHS: Drugs

John Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether any companies based in the EU have indicated a wish to cancel contracts to supply the NHS with drugs in the event of the UK leaving the EU without a deal.

Stephen Hammond: The Department has been in contact with NHS England’s Commercial Medicines Unit (CMU), who puts in place competitively tendered arrangements (Framework Agreements) through which National Health Service hospital trusts can purchase certain medicines.Neither the Department nor CMU are aware of any contract cancellations related to a ‘no deal’ European Union exit.

Doctors: Recruitment

Sir Vince Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the report entitled, Fair to Refer, published by the General Medical Council in June 2019, what steps his Department is taking ensure the NHS is an inclusive environment for new doctors.

Stephen Hammond: It is the responsibility of each National Health Service organisation as individual employers, to ensure all workforce policies and procedures comply with the Equality Act 2010. This includes policies and procedures that help to promote inclusivity and prevent all forms of unlawful discrimination.A substantial programme of work is being taken forward to improve the working lives of doctors in training through the working group ‘Enhancing the Working Lives of Doctors in Training’ led by Health Education England and the British Medical Association. This includes a range of work programmes based on extensive consultation with doctors including improving the induction processes and the training environment for new doctors.For trained doctors who are new to the NHS and who take up Specialty and Associate Specialists (SAS) doctor positions, the SAS doctor development guide aims to make sure that this important group of doctors are helped to remain fit to practice and develop in their careers. In addition, the SAS Charter sets out the support available to SAS doctors and what they can expect from their employers to help provide an optimum working environment for this group of doctors.

Locums

Sir Vince Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the report entitled, Fair to Refer, published by the General Medical Council in June 2019, what steps his Department is taking to ensure the adequacy of support locums.

Stephen Hammond: Doctors who work within health organisations for short-term placements (or locums) may face specific challenges due to the short term, flexible nature of their work. In October 2018, NHS England set out how National Health Service doctors can be best supported to enhance their work experience and provide safe provision of healthcare as a valuable part of the workforce in the publication ‘Supporting organisations engaging with locums and doctors in short-term placements: A practical guide for healthcare providers, locum agencies and revalidation management services.’ NHS England Responsible Officers (Regional Medical Directors) are currently carrying out a review of locum agency governance arrangements alongside establishing established a six-month programme of learning sets for Responsible Officers and locum agency managers to share governance learning and good practice.

NHS: Ethnic Groups

Sir Vince Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the report entitled, Fair to Refer, published by the General Medical Council in June 2019, what steps his Department is taking to BAME discrimination in the NHS.

Stephen Hammond: It is the responsibility of each National Health Service organisation as individual employers, to ensure all workforce policies and procedures comply with the Equality Act 2010. This includes policies and procedures to prevent all forms of unlawful discrimination, including bullying, harassment and victimisation from other staff, patients or other members of the public.Policies and procedures should be easily accessible to staff and managers and should be regularly monitored and reviewed by organisation boards in partnership with staff-side representatives. Employers provide a range of support services for their employees, including counselling, Freedom to Speak Up guardians, other staff trained to support affected colleagues, bullying hotlines and mediation.The Department is committed to supporting NHS organisations in this via the Social Partnership Forum’s ‘Creating positive workplace cultures and tackling bullying in the NHS - a collective call to action’, the Alliance of Healthcare Organisations committed to civility and respect throughout the NHS and the new offer for staff being developed as part of the People Plan.

Doctors: Working Hours

Sir Vince Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent estimate he has made of the proportion of doctors who have taken on additional responsibilities within their working hours as a result of gaps in staff rotas.

Stephen Hammond: There has been no recent estimate made by the Government because work schedules for junior doctors and job planning for consultants and specialty doctors are a matter for individual hospital trusts.

Nurses: Apprentices

Sir John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to increase the number of nursing apprenticeships.

Sir John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if his Department will take steps to reduce the barriers for individuals without classroom-based academic qualifications to train as nurses.

Stephen Hammond: The Department is fully committed to increasing the number of nursing apprenticeships. Working with the National Health Service we have created a complete apprentice pathway from entry level Healthcare Support Worker to Nursing Associate to Nurse and onto postgraduate advanced clinical practice in nursing. This will support people from all backgrounds to enter a nursing career in the NHS.Apprentice nurses will complete the same nursing degree as fulltime university students.Health Education England (HEE) is leading a national Nursing Associate programme with a commitment for up to 7,500 Nursing Associates to enter training in 2019. This expansion builds on HEE’s Nursing Associate programme which has already seen thousands start training in 2017 and 2018.HEE is also working with employers to support the development of a pipeline of future trainee Nursing Associates by investing in functional skills in English and Maths. This is intended to support those individuals that would like to apply to become a Nursing Associate gain the necessary skills to be able to.

Nurses: Training

Sir John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of reinstating the nursing bursary.

Stephen Hammond: The Government has no plans to reinstate bursaries for pre-registration nursing degree students.The education funding reforms unlocked the cap which constrained the number of pre-registration nurse training places allowing more students to gain access to nurse degree training courses. Eligible pre-registration nursing students now receive at least 25% more support than under the National Health Service bursary system through tuition fee loans and living cost support from the Student Loans Company.Additionally, to support pre-registration nursing students whilst attending the clinical placement element of their courses, the Government introduced a Learning Support Fund. Eligible loan funded students can apply for annual payments of £1,000 for child dependants allowance, reimbursement of all clinical placement travel costs above their usual daily travel and exceptional hardship payments of up to £3,000. These are in addition to the allowances paid by the Student Loans Company.On 7 February 2019 the University and College Admissions Service (UCAS) published data on full-time undergraduate applicants to nursing and midwifery courses made by the 15 January deadline. The data showed that there has been a 4.5% increase in the number of applications to nursing and midwifery courses when compared to the same point in 2018.UCAS will publish further application data on 11 July 2019.The interim People Plan published on 3 June 2019 sets out some of the steps needed to ensure the NHS have the staff they need to deliver high quality care, including growing our nursing workforce by 40,000 in the next five years.

Department for Education

Plagiarism: Universities

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps his Department is taking to help tackle plagiarism among students at university.

Chris Skidmore: The government has been clear that the Office for Students (OfS) should take firm and robust action to ensure that threats to academic integrity are tackled. We are determined to beat the cheats who threaten the integrity of our higher education (HE) system. The OfS requires HE providers to design courses that enable the reliable assessment of a student’s genuine achievements. Students are nearly always obligated by their provider to sign a ‘student contract’ at the commencement of their studies. The contract sets out acceptable student behaviours. Many contracts contain a reference to plagiarism and academic fraud. Many also set out possible sanctions that students may face if they are found to have broken the contract. As independent and autonomous bodies, HE providers have discretion when imposing sanctions, provided that those sanctions are authorised by the contract. The most recent guidance from the Quality Assurance Agency highlights the importance of severe sanctions of suspension or expulsion if ‘extremely serious academic misconduct’ has been discovered. HE providers' approaches to tackling cheating include deduction of marks, no credit for the work in question, permanent exclusion for a second offence or immediate expulsion depending on seriousness. In March, the government challenged PayPal to stop processing payments for ‘essay mills’. PayPal is now working with businesses associated with essay-writing services to ensure its platform is not used to facilitate deceptive and fraudulent practices in education. Furthermore, our recently published Education Technology Strategy challenged technology companies to identify how anti-cheating software can tackle the growth of essay mills and stay one step ahead of the cheats. This publication can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/realising-the-potential-of-technology-in-education.

Technology: Vocational Guidance

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps he is taking to encourage more school leavers to pursue a career in the technology sector.

Anne Milton: We have introduced computing as a statutory national curriculum subject at all 4 key stages and have introduced a new Computer Science GCSE and A level. The content was developed with industry experts to better equip pupils with the knowledge and skills they need to become active creators of digital technology. As part of the Industrial Strategy, the government has committed substantial spending on mathematics, digital and technical education to increase the take-up and better teaching of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects in schools. For example, in November 2018 we launched the National Centre for Computing Education (NCCE), backed by £84 million of new funding. The NCCE is run by a coalition of STEM Learning, the British Computing Society and Raspberry Pi and supported by industry. The NCCE is delivering a comprehensive programme of continuing professional development to improve the teaching of computing and increase participation in computer science at GCSE and A level, particularly amongst girls. We expect that this, in turn, will help equip these young people with the knowledge they need to pursue a career in the technology sector. We are also improving careers advice in schools so that young people are aware of the high quality options available for both technical and academic routes into digital careers and they have access to information about the variety of careers that digital technology pathways have to offer. STEM activities, including employer talks and work visits, are built into school career programmes and the Careers & Enterprise Company funds some opportunities for young people to meet a wide range of STEM employers, which include those from the technology sector.

Shipping: Vocational Guidance

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps his Department is taking to encourage more school leavers to pursue a career in the maritime industry.

Anne Milton: It is important for young people to have information on a range of jobs and careers, as well as encounters with a variety of employers in different sectors to inspire them about what they can achieve. The Careers & Enterprise Company is making sure that every young person has access to encounters with employers from a variety of sectors, which may include the maritime industry. In addition, information on a variety of careers, including the maritime industry, can be found on the National Careers Service website.

STEM Subjects: Females

Giles Watling: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps his Department is taking to increase the number of women taking up careers in STEM.

Anne Milton: In order to increase the number of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) industries, we are encouraging more girls to take STEM subjects at school, college and university, as well as providing improved careers advice and awareness and working with the STEM sector to champion gender representation. We announced substantial spending commitments in the Autumn Budget 2017 on maths, digital and technical education. We are funding programmes to increase the take-up of maths, such as the Advanced Maths Premium, and physics, through the Stimulating Physics Network, which has a specific strand focusing on increasing the number of girls in physics A level. We are supporting better teaching of maths, science and computing in schools, including a new £84 million programme for computing teaching and participation. As part of this investment, we also launched the Gender Balance in Computing pilot programme this year, which aims to identify practical interventions that schools (at all stages, excluding post-16) can implement to improve girls’ participation in computing. We have committed to improving STEM careers advice in schools in the Careers Strategy, including making sure that STEM encounters, such as with employers and apprenticeships, are built into school career programmes by updating school and college statutory guidance. We are also raising awareness of the range of careers that STEM qualifications offer, through programmes such as STEM ambassadors. 44% of these ambassadors are women. Finally, we are taking steps to work with the sector through apprenticeships and using the employer Apprenticeships Diversity Champions Network, now employing 70 members, to champion gender representation in industries where improvement is needed.

Speech and Language Therapy: Children

Geraint Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference the June 2019 report of the Children’s Commissioner, We need to talk: access to speech and language therapy, if he will meet with the Local Government Association to discuss the implications for his Department's policies of the findings of that report.

Nadhim Zahawi: We are committed to ensuring more effective support for children and young people with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN). Ministers from the Department for Education (DfE) regularly meet with local government to discuss issues relating to special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), including SLCN. On 20 May 2019, we held the first SEND ministerial roundtable meeting between ministers from the DfE, Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) and key SEND stakeholders to help inform future SEND policy. We will also be using these meetings to help inform the SEND System Leadership Board which aims to improve joint working and strategic commissioning for all children and young people with SEND, including those with SLCN. On 20 June 2019, the government issued a letter to I CAN and The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists. That letter responded to the Bercow One Year Anniversary update report, and was co-signed by ministers from the DfE, DHSC and the Ministry of Justice. The letter reaffirms our commitment to supporting children and young people with SLCN, and sets out the key action the government is taking to address SLCN. A copy of the letter will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

Department for Education: Iron and Steel

Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if he will sign his Department up to the UK Steel charter.

Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether his Department has had discussions with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on the UK Steel charter.

Anne Milton: The department’s commercial activities comply with current government policy on steel procurement as set out in Cabinet Office guidance, Procurement Policy Note 11/16.The department is happy to commit to supporting the charter where this is relevant to our commercial activities and only where consistent with the relevant regulations.The department is reviewing the charter and the steps within it, and will discuss with other departments as appropriate in due course.

Breakfast Clubs and Free School Meals: Academic Year

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether schools are required to provide breakfasts and free school meals to pupils who receive such support throughout the rest of the school year on days when end-of-year tests and examinations take place.

Nadhim Zahawi: If the end of year tests or examinations fall within the school day as defined in the Education Act (1996), then free school meals should be made available to the pupil on those days. Section 579 of the Education Act (1996) defines a school day as ‘any day on which at that school there is a school session’. Schools are not required to provide breakfasts. However, the department is investing up to £26 million to set up or improve 1,700 sustainable breakfast clubs in schools in the most disadvantaged areas across the country.

Special Educational Needs: Barnsley

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what recent assessment he has made of trends in the number of Education Health and Care Plans required in (a) Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council and (b) Barnsley Central constituency.

Nadhim Zahawi: ​There were 2,133 Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans in Barnsley local authority in January 2019, a 15% increase on January 2018. Nationally an 11% increase was seen over the same period.The number of EHC plans in Barnsley local authority is published in the Statements of SEN (special educational need) and EHC plans publication, available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/statements-of-sen-and-ehc-plans-england-2019. The latest publication contains the current position at January 2019, and the number of new plans created in the 2018 calendar year. Data on the total number of EHC plans is not available by parliamentary constituency.Like most local authorities, Barnsley has seen a significant increase in both the caseload of EHC plans and the number of requests for statutory assessment following the introduction of the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) reforms. This increase in activity at assessment stage is reflected throughout the SEND system.​

Ministry of Justice

Prisons: Self-harm and Suicide

Richard Burgon: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what the (a) rate per 1,000 prisoners is of (a) self-harm (b) self-inflicted deaths in each prison in the 12 month period to September 2018.

Robert Buckland: The table provides the rates of incidents of self-harm and self-inflicted deaths per 1,000 prisoners for the 12 month period to September 2018. On average, those who self-harmed did so 4.4 times, although a small number of prolific self-harmers have a disproportionate effect on this figure. The majority of those who self-harm in prison do so only once a year. The Government is taking unprecedented action to improve safety in prisons, including redoubling our efforts to prevent self-inflicted deaths and to reduce the levels of self-harm. We have recruited over 4,700 more prison officers since October 2016, and we now have the greatest number in post since early 2012. This is allowing us to implement the key worker role, allowing staff dedicated time to provide support to individual prisoners. We are improving support for prisoners in their early days in custody and working to improve the multi-disciplinary ACCT case management process for those at risk of suicide or self-harm.We have rolled out a revised and improved Introduction to Suicide and Self-harm Prevention course. This is being completed by all new staff and as refresher training by all existing staff. Nearly 25,000 staff have already begun this training and over 14,000 have completed all six modules.



Table
(Excel SpreadSheet, 16.95 KB)

Offenders: Electronic Tagging

Liz Saville Roberts: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many people with a community order were made subject to an electronic monitoring condition; and on how many occasions was that condition breached in each of the last five years.

Robert Buckland: Electronic Monitoring (EM) is a vital tool in protecting the public and robustly monitoring offenders in the community. It supports probation staff and the police in managing offenders and defendants safely in the community, delivering the orders of the court and helping them tackle the problems which lead to offending. The table below shows the total number of people in each year subject to EM as a requirement of a Community Order.(1) Data is only available from June 2016 onwards.  2016/172017/18Number of people in England and Wales with Community Orders with EM equipment installed(2)18,08116,098  Data on compliance is only available for completed Community Orders. The table below shows how many Community Orders with EM were completed in each year, and in how many of these a tagged subject failed to comply with their EM requirement at least once. Please note that these figures concern the monitoring of curfew requirements only, not GPS location monitoring requirements.   2016/172017/18Total completed Community Orders with EM equipment installed(2)(3)15,54715,987Compliance6,0656,645Non-compliance9,4829,342  (1) The figures provided in these tables do not include data from the GPS pilot, which commenced in October 2016 and completed in March 2018. A total of 17 tags were issued to individuals as part of a Community Order during the Pilot. An independent qualitative process evaluation of the GPS location monitoring pilot was published in February 2019: ‘Process evaluation of the Global Positioning System (GPS) Electronic Monitoring Pilot - Qualitative findings’: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/process-evaluation-of-the-global-positioning-system-gps-electronic-monitoring-pilot. A quantitative process evaluation of the GPS Pilot containing analysis of Management Information gathered over the course of the pilot is currently undergoing quality assurance and being finalised. This will include information on compliance.(2) Derived from caseload files with equipment on (3) Derived from number of completions of Community Orders with equipment on (4) A person may have more than one completion. Figures after March 2018 will be published in the HMPPS Digest in July 2019. If a subject on tag does not comply with an Electronic Monitoring condition or requirement, for example by being absent during curfew hours or tampering with a tag, an instantaneous alert is generated that is sent to Electronic Monitoring Services (EMS). The appropriate authorities decide, based on the evidence, whether the non-compliance event constitutes a breach and if so what action should be taken. The nature of breaches vary, and not all non-compliance events are classed as formal breaches requiring further action – for example, if the subject was at hospital or in custody at the time, and therefore unable to return to their curfew location in time for their curfew. While the majority of non-compliance events will generate an alert than can lead to a breach there are a range of other circumstances that can lead to breach action being taken

Prisons: Contracts

Richard Burgon: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, pursuant to the Answer of 11 June 2019 to Question 259342 on Prisons: Contracts, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of HMP Altcourse’s innovative approach to violence reduction on levels of (a) prison-on-prisoner assaults, (b) prisoner-on-staff assaults, (c) serious prison-on-prisoner assaults and (d) serious prisoner-on-staff assaults between 2010 and 2018.

Paul Maynard: Altcourse is currently meeting the majority of its contract targets and overall performance against the contract is very good. In their report Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons acknowledged that the Prison had strong leadership, and a highly positive staff culture and delivering good outcomes in many key areas. G4S has introduced a range of measures in response to levels of violence within the prison, including behaviour management strategies to deal with violent and complex individuals in their Brook unit. Performance of the contract at Altcourse continues to be robustly managed. Please see attached table. The safety of Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service staff working in prisons is a priority. Across the prison estate we have invested an additional £70m in a raft of measures designed to improve safety, security and decency – including body-scanners, enhanced searches and new investigative teams.



Table
(Word Document, 41.91 KB)

Prisoners: Death

Richard Burgon: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many people have died in custody while under an imprisonment for public protection sentence with an initial tariff of less than five years.

Robert Buckland: The table provides details of the total number of prisoners that have died in prison custody while serving Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) sentences with an initial tariff of less than five years. Every death in custody is a tragedy, and we are committed to learning lessons from these deaths wherever possible. Most of the deaths were from natural causes but some were self-inflicted, and the Government is taking unprecedented action to improve safety in prisons, including redoubling our efforts to prevent such deaths. We have recruited over 4,700 more prison officers since October 2016, and we now have the greatest number in post since early 2012. This is allowing us to implement the key worker role, providing staff dedicated time to support individual prisoners. We are improving support for prisoners in their early days in custody and developing a new version of the multi-disciplinary ACCT case management process for those at risk of suicide. We have rolled out a revised and improved Suicide and Self-Harm Prevention course. This is being completed by all new staff and as refresher training by all existing staff. Nearly 25,000 staff have already begun this training and over 14,000 have completed all six modules. Whilst we are focused on giving all prisoners serving IPP sentences opportunities to progress towards release, public protection must remain our priority. A range of initiatives are in place, as part of the joint action plan, co-owned by HM Prison and Probation Service and the Parole Board, which are having a positive impact on the progression of those serving an IPP sentence.



Table
(Excel SpreadSheet, 11.11 KB)

Prisons: Contracts

Richard Burgon: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, pursuant to the Answer of 17 May 2019 to Question 251425 on Prisons: Contracts, what the shortfall in staffing levels was at HMP Rye Hill that required the issuing of a Rectification Notice in March 2010.

Richard Burgon: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, pursuant to the Answer of 17 May 2019 to Question 251425 on Prisons: Contracts, what increases were made to staffing levels at HMP Doncaster to enable the closure of the Rectification Notice in July 2017.

Richard Burgon: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, pursuant to the Answer of 17 May 2019 to Question 251425 on Prisons: Contracts, what the staffing levels were at HMP Doncaster at the time the contractual improvement notice of March 2015 was issued.

Richard Burgon: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, pursuant to the Answer of 17 May 2019 to Question 251425 on Prisons: Contracts, what increase in staffing levels was required as part of the contractual improvement notice issued in March 2015 at HMP Doncaster.

Robert Buckland: Onley Prison Services Limited (OPSL) was awarded a contract to design, manage, finance and construct HMP Rye Hill in 1999 following a fair and open competition process. OPSL appointed G4S as its operating subcontractor to provide the custodial service element on their behalf.Running a safe and secure prison is the priority for OPSL, G4S and the MoJ, but as with all privately managed prisons, the MoJ requires its contractors to employ sufficient levels of staff to meet their contractual obligations.The MoJ issued performance related Contract Notices to OPSL as formal notification of specific concerns of performance falling below expected standards. These can be related to performance delivery indicators and/or in response to other concerns about custodial service delivery.A Rectification Notice was issued because the MoJ was concerned that the numbers of staff employed to deliver the custodial service were reaching a level where OPSL would be under pressure to meet their contractual obligations and meet their performance delivery indicators. The number of staff employed for private prisons is not published due to commercial sensitivity.Serco was awarded the contract to manage HMP Doncaster in 2011 following a fair and open competition process.Performance related Contract Notices are issued as formal notification to the contractor where the MoJ identifies specific areas of concern that performance has fallen below expected standards. These can be related to performance delivery indicators and/or in response to other specific concerns about custodial service delivery.Two HMIP inspections, in March 2014 and October 2015, found that Doncaster was a less respectful institution and a less safe prison than it had been in 2010. The MoJ was concerned that Serco was making insufficient progress in improving its performance to address the shortfalls highlighted by HMIP and that this was, in part, due to their lack of consistency in providing sufficient levels of staff.

Rape: Victims

Andrea Jenkyns: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment he has made of the implications for his Department's policies of the findings on victims of rape in the Victims’ Commissioner’s Annual Report.

Paul Maynard: The Government welcomes the Victim Commissioner’s Annual Report and is working closely with Dame Vera Baird as we work to improve the way the Criminal Justice System deals with sexual offending. We will formally respond to the report in due course.

Prisoner Escapes

Andrea Jenkyns: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps his Department is taking to reduce the number of prisoners escaping custody.

Robert Buckland: Public protection is our top priority and we take escapes and absconds from custody extremely seriously and any escape is thoroughly investigated by a senior HMPPS operational leader.HMPPS has established a Security Risk Unit to establish lessons from security failings and successes, provide specialist support and advice to frontline colleagues and ensure practice is reviewed and enhanced. The Unit is working in close collaboration with public and private prisons, providing them with the tools required to ensure risks are rigorously assessed, appropriately prioritised and robustly managed.

Department for International Trade

Open Individual Export Licences: Hong Kong

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, whether the Open Individual Export Licences for crowd control equipment to the Hong Kong SAR issued on (a) 27 July 2015, (b) 15 January 2016, (c) 15 April 2016 and (d) 9 May 2016 are extant.

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, whether the suspension mechanism that applies to (a) extant and (b) pending licences is applicable to licences for Hong Kong.

Graham Stuart: Only the Open Individual Export Licence issued on 9 May 2016 remains extant, but it is not for crowd control equipment; it covers items such as body armour for bomb disposal and protection from bomb fragmentation. The Foreign Secretary announced on 25 June that we will not issue any further export licences for crowd control equipment to Hong Kong unless we are satisfied that concerns raised about human rights and fundamental freedoms have been thoroughly addressed. There are no extant licences for crowd control equipment.

Department for International Trade: Iron and Steel

Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, whether his Department has had discussions with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on the UK Steel charter.

Graham Stuart: The Department for International Trade (DIT) is aware of the UK Steel Charter through the cross-department procurement policy working group and we are reviewing our position. DIT is regularly in discussion with BEIS on how we can support UK based steel companies through international trade and investment.

Arms Trade: Saudi Arabia

Stephen Gethins: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what the cost to the public purse was (a) of his Department's legal team and (b) in legal fees to the appellant for his Department's defence of the 2017 High Court case on arms sales to Saudi Arabia.

Graham Stuart: Department for International Trade indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Trade Agreements: USA

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what recent discussions the Government has had with the US administration on a potential trade deal after the UK leaves the EU.

George Hollingbery: The UK is committed to negotiating an ambitious free trade agreement with the United States as soon as we have left the European Union. The President and Prime Minister have made clear on a number of occasions, including during the recent State Visit, their shared commitment to an ambitious, wide-ranging free trade deal that reflects the strength of our bilateral relationship. The Department for International Trade will commence the sixth Trade and Investment Working Group with officials from United States Trade Representative in early-July. This will continue to lay the groundwork for a future potential FTA.

Trade Agreements: Israel

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, if he will seek the inclusion of a binding human rights clause in a future free trade agreement with Israel to establish that the (a) relations between the parties and (b) provisions of the agreement shall be based on respect for human rights and democratic principles as is provided for in article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement.

George Hollingbery: The UK and Israel signed a trade continuity agreement in February 2019. The UK-Israel Agreement incorporates human rights provisions of the EU-Israel Trade Agreements, without modification. The UK has a history of protecting and promoting human rights and will continue to do so. We are exploring all options in the design of any future trade agreements.

Department for Work and Pensions

Pension Credit: North East

Anne-Marie Trevelyan: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many pensioners are entitled to pension credit but do not receive it in (a) the North East region and (b) Berwick upon Tweed constituency.

Guy Opperman: The information requested on the number of pensioners in (a) the North East region and (b) Berwick upon Tweed constituency who are entitled to Pension Credit but do not receive it, is not available at regional or constituency level. Official statistics on the take-up of income related benefits at Great Britain level, including Pension Credit, can be found in the ‘Income-related benefits: estimates of take-up in 2016 to 2017’ publication. https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/income-related-benefits-estimates-of-take-up-financial-year-2016-to-2017

Universal Credit

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what is the median repayment period for advance payments awarded to people awaiting their first payment of universal credit.

Alok Sharma: The median repayment period for new claim and benefit transfer advances was 12 months. Notes:The figure relates to Universal Credit full service onlyThe median is based on those advances paid between March 18 and February 2019

Personal Independence Payment

George Eustice: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many applications for the personal independence payment were refused on the first assessment in 2018; and how many of those applications that were refused were subsequently (a) considered again and (b) granted under Mandatory Reconsideration.

Justin Tomlinson: The information requested can be found in the table below. Table: Number of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) cases disallowed at initial decision for failing the PIP assessment in 2018, and the number of those who subsequently completed the Mandatory Reconsideration (MR) process, Great Britain  -Number of PIP CasesPIP cases disallowed at initial decision after completing the PIP assessment216,850A) Of Which: Subsequently Completed an MR105,430B) Of Which: Had the Initial Decision to Disallow Revised at MR12,480 Source: PIP Computer System.Data has been rounded to the nearest 10.  PIP data includes normal rules and special rules for the terminally ill claimants, and is for both new claims and DLA reassessment claims. MR data is up to March 2019.

Sexual Offences: Females

Sarah Champion: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what training and guidance her Department provides to Jobcentre Plus Work Coaches and other staff in her Department on (a) the specific vulnerabilities of women at risk of, or experiencing, sexual exploitation and (b) specialist services that staff may refer to that support women to exit prostitution.

Will Quince: DWP is committed to providing the best possible support for all our claimants, including the most vulnerable in society. We are continuously reviewing and improving the service for vulnerable people to ensure that it is accessible and responsive to their needs. Specific training and guidance is provided for all staff on working with different vulnerable groups. This includes developing the skills they need to support and communicate with a diverse range of customers. All DWP staff have access to the ‘Safeguarding Vulnerable People’ guidance, which highlights the importance of having arrangements in place which assist in the protection of vulnerable adults and children from physical abuse, sexual abuse and exploitation. To assist with identification and claimant support, each Jobcentre Plus site has a complex needs toolkit in place and these are maintained and reviewed locally. Additionally, Jobcentre staff have access to a District Provision Tool which provides access to the full range of provision and support delivered by DWP, providers, local authorities and independent volunteer/charity organisations. However, if Work Coaches are unable to identify local provisions that meets the needs of the claimant, they liaise with DWP Partnership Managers, who have the flexibility to work alongside local organisations to source appropriate provision helping our most vulnerable, at risk, claimants to access the support they need. We have also been closely engaging with key stakeholders on a range of topics and we will continue to work closely with them on improving our services, policies and support for victims of abuse.

Universal Credit

Chris Williamson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment she has made of the effect of the (a) wait for payment and (b) monthly payment of universal credit on the number of weeks of benefit paid annually to claimants compared with the number they were paid under their legacy benefits.

Alok Sharma: There is no need to wait for a Universal Credit payment, as 100 per cent advances are available from day one of a claim. Advance payments are simply an advance of entitlement, meaning that by month 12 of a claim, a claimant would normally have received exactly the same Universal Credit regardless of whether they had an advance or not. Furthermore, frequency of payment should not affect the total amount of Universal Credit paid over the course of a year. Whilst legacy benefits were paid in two-weekly arrears, Universal Credit is paid in monthly arrears to help reduce welfare dependency by mirroring the world of work, where currently around 70 per cent of tax credit claimants are paid monthly or four weekly. We know that claimants are currently not getting all the entitlements for which they are eligible on legacy benefits. Requiring claimants to make a new Universal Credit claim will ensure that people will not miss out on any entitlements. This will result in an additional £2.4 billion going to 700,000 families who currently do not take up their full benefit entitlement.

Universal Credit

Luke Graham: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of giving universal credit claimants the option of monthly payments or four weekly payments.

Alok Sharma: The amount of Universal Credit paid to claimants reflects, as closely as possible, the actual circumstances of a household during each monthly assessment period. Monthly assessment periods align to the way the majority of employees are paid and how utility companies and other service providers collect payments. It also allows Universal Credit to be adjusted each month, this means that if a claimant’s income falls, they will not have to wait several months for a rise in their Universal Credit. We have recently reviewed and updated guidance to help ensure claimants, staff and representatives are aware of the importance of employers reporting accurate dates and the impact on payment cycles. We know that some people find managing their money challenging and Alternative Payment Arrangements (APA) can be provided to help them manage that change. These include: managed payment of the Universal Credit housing cost to landlords; making payments more frequently; and splitting the payment between partners within the household. APAs can be requested by a claimant at any point during their claim and are considered on a case by case basis and assessed by Universal Credit staff. Staff work closely with claimants and are trained to gauge a claimant’s financial needs at their initial interview, and throughout their claim, based on their personal circumstances. We continuously review Universal Credit using feedback from claimants and stakeholders. We are currently trialling new ways of working around more frequent payments, monitoring the outcomes to further inform improvements to the service.

Universal Credit

Kirstene Hair: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what recent improvements her Department has made to the online system for universal credit applications.

Alok Sharma: We are building an agile, adaptable system, fit for the 21st century, to help people to transform their lives through work - while supporting those who cannot work and are most in need. Using feedback from stakeholders and claimants we have had more than 100 releases to the system since it was introduced, all resulting in improvements to the claimant’s experience.Most recently these include: adding a playback screen to the child details gather reducing error in moving on with incomplete child details;changing an appointment booking error message;improving password creation for new registrations;developing estimated award tool to assist claimants in understanding potential UC award and indicative New Claim Advance value;improving questions regarding other people who live with claimant, providing clarity about lodgers, family members, and anyone else living with the claimant.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Plastics: EU Law

Sandy Martin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether the Government plans to implement the EU Single-Use Plastics directive in full which includes measures on oxo-degradable plastics; and what plans he has to extend that legislation to include oxo-biodegradable plastics.

Dr Thérèse Coffey: In our Resources and Waste Strategy we have committed to match or where economically practicable exceed the ambition of the Single-Use Plastics Directive.The term oxo-degradable plastics is used in the Directive. The Directive mandates that oxo-degradable plastics shall be restricted from being placed on the market from 3 July 2021. Oxo-degradable plastics are conventional plastics. They include additives which are designed to promote the oxidation of the material to the point where it embrittles and fragments, potentially resulting in risks from micro-plastic particles. The Government remains committed to reducing the health and environmental impacts of certain plastic products, including those made from oxo-degradable plastics, in the marine environment. The Government is concerned that, in the absence of standards, claims about the biodegradability of plastic based products cannot be verified leading to potential confusion in the market place, possible increased levels of consumption and potential environmental harm at the point of disposal. As part of the Bioeconomy Strategy published on 5 December last year, the Government committed to work with UK Research and Innovation and industry to seek evidence on the demand, benefits and implications (for example the impact on recycling streams) of a standard for bio-based and biodegradable plastics that would include carrier bags. The call for evidence will seek evidence in relation to labelling and information provision.

Plastics: Packaging

Mhairi Black: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to reduce the use of single use plastic in packaging.

Dr Thérèse Coffey: Last year the Government published the Resources and Waste Strategy, setting out our plans to reduce, reuse and recycle more plastic than we do now. Our target is to eliminate all avoidable plastic waste throughout the life of the 25 Year Environment Plan, but for the most problematic plastics we are going faster - that is why we have committed to work towards all plastic packaging placed on the UK market being recyclable, reusable or compostable by 2025.The Government recently consulted on reforms to the packaging producer responsibility system to ensure that packaging producers fund the full net cost of managing the packaging they place on the market once it becomes waste. This provides a strong financial incentive for packaging producers to make better, more sustainable decisions at the design stage and during manufacture, and to take greater responsibility for the environmental impacts of their products.Furthermore, in April last year, the Waste and Resources Action Programme and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation launched their world leading UK Plastics Pact, with support from the Government, and all the major supermarkets have signed up to it. The Pact brings these organisations together with four key targets for 2025 that aim to reduce the amount of plastic waste generated. This includes action to eliminate problematic or unnecessary single use plastic packaging items. Our proposed reforms will support supermarkets in achieving those targets.

Incinerators: Air Pollution

Dr David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, by which date do operators of municipal waste incineration sites have to submit information to the Environment Agency on their emissions of (a) PM2.5 and (b) PM 10 for 2018.

Dr Thérèse Coffey: Operators were required to submit information on the total annual emissions of all relevant pollutants (including PM2.5 and PM10) by the end of February 2019.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs: Iron and Steel

Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will sign his Department up to the UK Steel charter.

Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department has had discussions with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on the UK Steel charter.

Mr Robert Goodwill: Andrew Stephenson MP, Parliamentary Undersecretary of State at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, wrote to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 29 May to ask my Department to sign the Steel Charter.

Origin Marking: Wales

Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether Welsh produce covered by EU geographical indication schemes will maintain that status in the event of that the UK leaves the EU without a deal.

Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what plans the Government has to replicate the EU geographical indication scheme after the UK leaves the EU.

Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what progress the Government has made on an agreement with the EU on mutual recognition of geographical indication after the UK leaves the EU.

Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what estimate his Department has made of value to the Welsh economy of the EU geographical indication scheme.

Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions has he had with his counterpart in the Welsh Government on  the maintenance of the EU geographical indication scheme in Wales after the UK leaves the EU.

David Rutley: UK Government recognises the crucial role that Geographical Indication (GI) products play in protecting the provenance and heritage of some of Wales’ best-loved food and drink products, and the economic benefit they bring to many communities and the UK as a whole. GIs represent about 25% of UK food and drink exports by value and play an important role as exemplars of our quality produce around the world. In 2018, GIs were worth over £5 billion in export value. Welsh beef and lamb contribute significantly to this value. Defra are currently undertaking research to obtain more robust data on the value of GIs to local economies across the UK and we will be happy to share relevant findings with the Devolved Administrations. Leaving the EU with a deal remains the Government’s top priority. This has not changed. Under the Withdrawal Agreement, the UK commits to protecting all EU GIs until a subsequent agreement enters into force. This will help ensure a smooth transition to the future relationship. We are committed to establishing UK GI schemes that ensure existing GIs such as Welsh Lamb Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) and Traditional Welsh Caerphilly PGI continue to receive protection from imitation and evocation in the UK after EU Exit. In the event of a ‘no-deal’, the default position is that UK GIs will continue to be protected in the EU by virtue of being on the EU’s various GI registers. The current EU legislation means that EU GI protection is indefinite unless specific grounds for the cancellation of a GI are met. None of the grounds for cancellation relate to a change in status from Member State to Third Country. We therefore consider that under the current rules, the EU should not be able to remove the protection from UK GIs without reason. Nevertheless, the UK must be prepared for all possible outcomes as we leave the EU. So it is right to advise UK GI holders to be prepared to apply as third country producers for recognition in the EU in the event that the EU does change its rules. This represents sensible contingency planning. If the EU took steps to remove UK GIs from their registers, the UK Government would provide support and guidance to GI producers on this process as set out in our technical advice on GOV.UK. I have discussed the GI scheme with Lesley Griffiths, Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Environment and Rural Affairs, at the Inter-Ministerial Group (IMG) EFRA meetings held on 5 July 2018 and 17 September 2018. The Minister of State also discussed the scheme at the IMG EFRA meeting on 24 June 2019. Defra officials meet regularly with Welsh Government officials to discuss GI policy development.

Pets: Vaccination

Andrea Jenkyns: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to promote the vaccination of pets.

David Rutley: Pet owners are strongly advised by the chief veterinary officer to consider vaccinating their pets to prevent diseases which can prove to be fatal. They should consult their private vet for advice based on the individual pet’s risk and circumstances. General advice on vaccination can be obtained from a number of sources including from the National Office of Animal Health.

Fires: Yorkshire and the Humber

Andrea Jenkyns: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to reduce the risk of wildfire in Yorkshire.

Dr Thérèse Coffey: The risk of severe damage from wildfire on wet, well functioning peatlands is relatively low. Natural England is working with landowners and land managers through its uplands programme to develop long term management plans to bring and keep moorlands and peatlands, including those in Yorkshire prone to wildfire, in favourable condition. We are also currently undertaking a wildfire review to ensure that our future land management policies minimise the risks of wildfire.

Home Office

Emergency Services Network: Wales

Liz Saville Roberts: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many Emergency Services Network and Extended Area Service masts have been successfully erected in (a) Dwyfor Meirionnydd, (b) Arfon, (c) Ceredigion and (d) Carmarthen East and Dinefwr.

Liz Saville Roberts: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many Emergency Services Network and Extended Area Service masts are scheduled to be erected in (a) Dwyfor Meirionnydd, (b) Arfon, (c) Ceredigion and (d) Carmarthen East and Dinefwr.

Liz Saville Roberts: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how much money in cash terms has the installation of Emergency Services Network and Extended Area Service masts cost in (a) Dwyfor Meirionnydd, (b) Arfon, (c) Ceredigion and (d) Carmarthen East and Dinefwr.

Liz Saville Roberts: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many of the Emergency Services Network and Extended Area Service masts in  (a) Dwyfor Meirionnydd, (b) Arfon, (c) Ceredigion and (d) Carmarthen East and Dinefwr can be used by multiple operators (excluding EE).

Liz Saville Roberts: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment the Government has made of the potential merits of allowing roaming in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and National Parks using the Emergency Services Network and Extended Area Service masts.

Mr Nick Hurd: The Emergency Services Network (ESN) is being provided primarily to deliver world class critical voice and data to the emergency services, and to replace the existing Airwave network with one provided by EE, who operate the UK’s largest and fastest 4G Network.The details of ESN and Extended Area Service (EAS) masts in (a) Dwyfor Meirionnydd, (b) Arfon, (c) Ceredigion and (d) Carmarthen East and Dinefwr are as follows:ESN masts completed15EAS masts completed (not yet operational)1ESN masts scheduled0EAS masts scheduled30Some additional ESN sites are likely to follow. Their locations are currently being confirmed.I can also confirm that all ESN masts can be shared by multiple mobile network operators. The same will potentially apply to the 30 EAS masts, subject to approval by the relevant Planning Authorities.In respect of cost, I am afraid it is not possible to aggregate ESN costs down to specific geographic locations and any specific costs in relation to EAS would breach the disproportionate cost threshold. The Government’s ambition is to have high-quality mobile connectivity where people live, work and travel, and we have committed to extending geographic coverage to 95% of the UK. Roaming in rural areas has the potential to improve consumer choice and could be a solution for the problem of “partial not-spots” (where one or more operators are present, but all four are not). It refers to the ability of customers of one network to use another provider’s network when they do not have access to a signal in a given area. This is currently mandated for emergency calls so that a 999 call can be made from any mobile in all areas where there is a signal from at least one operator. Improving mobile coverage in rural areas is a priority for us and we are considering all the options available to us, including rural roaming, to facilitate this.

Department for Exiting the European Union

Visas: Musicians

Ruth Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, what progress he has made in discussions with the Home Secretary on a two-year, multi-entry touring visa for UK musicians in the event that the UK leaves the EU without a deal.

Mr Robin Walker: The Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union has regular discussions with Cabinet colleagues on preparations for the UK’s departure from the European Union.In the event that the UK leaves the EU without a deal, UK nationals undertaking paid work such as tours in the EU should check with the Embassy of the countries they plan to travel to for what kind of visa or permit, if any, they will need. The FCO provides advice on their country-specific travel pages online. Information about entry requirements for those intending to work or provide a service in an EU Member State is listed on our advice pages for UK businesses on gov.uk.The Political Declaration agreed between the UK and the EU acknowledges the importance of mobility for cultural cooperation. The UK is seeking to agree reciprocal mobility arrangements that would facilitate the temporary mobility of self-employed professionals and employees providing services. The detail will be discussed in the next phase of negotiations.

Health Services: Reciprocal Arrangements

Ruth Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, what recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on ensuring the maintenance of the European Health Insurance Card for UK citizens when the UK leaves the EU.

Mr Robin Walker: DExEU Ministers and officials have regular discussions with their counterparts in the Department for Health and Social Care to discuss a wide range of issues related to the UK’s withdrawal from the EU.Subject to the Withdrawal Agreement being agreed by Parliament, where the UK or an EU Member State is responsible for the healthcare of those within the scope of the Agreement, these individuals will continue to be entitled to reciprocal healthcare cover, including EHIC rights, from that country. For individuals not in scope of the Withdrawal Agreement, and as part of our future relationship with the EU, we have said that we want continued participation in the EHIC scheme.In the event of a no deal exit, reciprocal healthcare cannot be protected unilaterally and requires reciprocity from the EU or individual Member States. We have a duty to ensure that any potential harmful impacts on our citizens in the EU, and on EU citizens residing in the UK, are minimised as far as possible.That is why, in the event of no deal, the UK is seeking an EU-wide approach or bilateral arrangements with Member States to transitionally apply the current social security coordination regulations, including reciprocal healthcare, in full until the end of 2020. This includes current EHIC arrangements. This will provide certainty to individuals who move to, visit or work in the UK or EU until that date. UK Government Ministers highlighted the importance of transitionally maintaining these arrangements in letters sent to Ministerial counterparts in each Member State.

Treasury

Tax Avoidance

Crispin Blunt: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, when he plans to publish a response to the consultation on Off-payroll working rules from April 2020.

Jesse Norman: The Government consulted on the detailed operation of the off-payroll reform earlier this year, and met over 100 affected businesses and their representatives. The Government is considering the responses to that consultation; these will be taken into account in the design of the draft Finance Bill legislation, to be published on 11 July.

Tax Avoidance

Nic Dakin: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many people with closed tax years are affected by the 2019 Loan Charge.

Nic Dakin: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many criminal convictions there have been of promoters of loan schemes subject to the 2019 Loan Charge.

Jesse Norman: The information you have requested is not available. HMRC are working through the settlement process with those Disguised Remuneration users who came forward to settle their tax affairs before 5 April 2019. Scheme users who chose not to repay the outstanding loan, or agree a settlement with HMRC, by 5 April 2019, are now liable for the loan charge and should report it as part of their 2018-19 tax liability. To date, no promoters of disguised remuneration (DR) schemes have been convicted of criminal offences related to DR schemes as such. There are no criminal offences specific to the promotion of mass marketed tax avoidance schemes but HMRC may conduct a criminal investigation into an individual’s actions when, for example, reliance is placed on a false or altered document, or if the material facts are misrepresented. In May, six individuals were arrested on suspicion of promoting fraudulent loan charge arrangements. Since the formation of HMRC’s Fraud Investigation Service on 1 April 2016, more than 20 individuals have been convicted for offences relating to arrangements which have been promoted and marketed as tax avoidance schemes, resulting in over 100 years in custodial sentences. A significant number of avoidance scheme promoters are currently under criminal investigation by HMRC.

Customs: Musical Instruments

Ruth Jones: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what progress he has made in negotiations with the European Commission on ensuring that musicians’ (a) instruments and (b) equipment can move freely between the UK and the EU when the UK leaves the EU.

Jesse Norman: The Government’s priority is to keep goods moving and avoid delays at the border. If the UK leaves the EU without a deal, the same customs rules will broadly apply to transporting instruments and equipment to the EU as apply to trade between the UK and non-EU countries. This will include the use of temporary admission and applications for Returned Goods Relief. ATA carnets are also available for commercial goods, professional equipment or goods going to trade fairs or exhibitions in participating countries, which are moved on a temporary basis to a new customs territory, which will not be sold and which will return to the country of origin. This includes musical instruments. If the UK does leave the EU without a deal, the process of using an ATA Carnet (or a temporary admission declaration) will become an acceptable option for moving goods temporarily between the UK and EU, as the UK will become a single customs territory.

Share Fishermen: Taxation

Anneliese Dodds: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether people participating in the Share Fisherman Scheme will be able to continue to participate in the scheme for the length of their working lives.

Jesse Norman: The current voluntary payment scheme for share fishermen was introduced to help customers with an uncertain earning pattern to save towards their income tax liability, which is accounted for and paid via the annual self-assessment (SA) process. The scheme is supported by Barclays, operating special bank accounts, from which HMRC can periodically withdraw funds.These arrangements no longer meet banking regulations. There has also been very low take-up of the voluntary payment scheme, so HMRC are working with Barclays to review what services can be offered to share fishermen in future, taking into account developments in the income tax self-assessment process and wider tax administration as well as the payment options available to other taxpayers.

Tax Avoidance

Nic Dakin: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will undertake an investigation of the steps that HMRC has taken in respect of the application of the 2019 Loan Charge to people on low incomes.

Jesse Norman: Disguised Remuneration (DR) schemes are contrived arrangements that use loan payments in place of ordinary remuneration, usually through an offshore trust, with the purpose of avoiding income tax and National Insurance contributions. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) are building a dedicated team focused solely on working with those who may be struggling to pay the loan charge by the normal payment deadline. For those seeking to settle their DR liabilities, or to pay the loan charge, HMRC will work with any individuals, regardless of income, to reach a manageable and sustainable payment plan wherever possible. There are no maximum payment periods.

Agriculture: Subsidies

Hywel Williams: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what plans he has to replace the funding the Welsh Government receives from the EU for direct payments to farmers after 2022 if the UK leaves the EU.

Elizabeth Truss: The Government has pledged to continue to commit the same cash total in funds for farm support until the end of the parliament. It has also set out its plans for English agriculture policy after we have left the EU, including phasing down direct payments from 2021 over seven years. Agriculture is a devolved matter, so it is for the Welsh Government to decide whether to continue with direct payments in Wales. We will continue to engage with the Welsh Government on arrangements for domestic replacement funding after 2022, but have already committed not to simply apply the Barnett Formula to agriculture funding in England. This means that funding will not just be allocated according to the population of each nation.

Agriculture: Subsidies

Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what plans he has for replacing the funding the Welsh Government receives from the EU for farm payments if the UK leaves the EU.

Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions he has had with the Welsh Government on replacing the funding it currently receives from the EU for farm payments if the UK leaves the EU.

Elizabeth Truss: HM Treasury ministers and officials have regular discussions with counterparts in the Welsh Government on matters relating to EU Exit, including funding. On agriculture funding, the Government has committed to provide the same cash total in funds for farm support until the end of the Parliament. Under this commitment, the average annual cash total for farm support under the existing 2014-2020 Multiannual Financial Framework, and the average annual Exchequer funding provided for farm support under Pillar 2, will be rolled forward year by year until the end of this parliament. An independent advisory panel, led by Lord Bew of Donegore, is considering what factors should determine the distribution of convergence funding across the UK during this period. We expect the review to report over the summer in advance of decisions at the Spending Review.